Benefits of Giving

Petticoat

1740-1760

Origin: America, probably Connecticut

Length: 35 1/2" excluding top binding; Skirt circumference: 102 1/2".

Wool (fabric, batting), linen ( thread, piecing)

Museum Purchase

Acc. No. 1951-445

Woman's petticoat of pink glazed worsted satin, quilted to blue and natural striped wool backing pieced out with white tabby linen and wool blanketing material. Design consists of exotic animal and birds, rendered with quilting to give skeletal effect, surrounded by scrolling leaves, all against a diagonally quilted background. The quilting continues all the way up to the waist, which is unusual. Two pocket slits approximately 8" down from waist. Hem and pocket slits bound with mustard yellow ribbed fabric (replacement). Quilting is done in spaced backstitches, giving irregular diagonal effect on the back in some areas. Waistband missing.

Label:Petticoat, missing waistband
Probably Connecticut, 1740-1760
Fanciful animals and birds within twining foliage vibrate on a surface of bright rose wool. The use of two different backing fabrics suggests that this petticoat was made at home. Weighing more than five pounds, the petticoat is so thick and heavy that it must have been difficult to wear. Some of the old mending patches have faded over the years.
Technical information:
Worsted wool satin face fabric
Wool fiber filling
Wool and linen-wool plain-woven backing fabrics
11 to 16 linen backstitches per inch
1951-445